Expectations game! The gubernatorial race has it, ahead of tonight's debate on WBZ-TV.

From Doug Rubin, strategist working for Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick's re-election campaign (via Twitter): "Expect a decent night for Baker. The 3-on-1 nature of the debate allows him to attack Patrick even when he is not talking."

From Sean Powers, of Republican Charlie Baker's gubernatorial campaign, (also via Twitter): "Patrick will have a strong showing tonight. He's a great speaker and been doing this for 4 years. Baker is a first time candidate."

(If folks find similar Tweets from the campaigns of independent Timothy Cahill or Green Rainbow Party candidate Jill Stein, send 'em along.)

The debate starts at 7 p.m. on WBZ. Jon Keller moderates.

As the election heats up, voters would do well to remember this thought from Jay Rosen, of the PressThink media criticism blog, on candidates and their staffs. And this goes for every candidate and campaign, regardless of what affiliation is next to their name on the ballot: "Their job is to win the election, to improve their chances and cripple the other guy. If that means supporting confusion, ignorance, neglect, demagoguery or silence on certain issues, they will not hesitate to do that."